Now that I think about it, I’ve spent just about every New Year’s Eve of my life in Atlanta. These ranged from excellent – a night of dancing, drinking and merry-making at the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta to downright dismal – hanging out with six wayward guys who had no other plans, one of which kept declaring all night, “I won!” about his girlfriend because he hadn’t asked her out for New Year’s. I seriously questioned his definition of winning that including hanging out with us and eating celebratory gyros and drinking flat champagne.
Anyway, this fate doesn’t have to befall you. There are so many options for New Year’s Eve in Atlanta. Here are just a few at some of our best restaurants:
Dine at Fifth Group Restaurant, where there are plenty of specials to choose from. MF Buckhead is offering a five-course menu in the early evening for $100 per person and a seven-course menu with complimentary champagne for $175 if you arrive at 9 PM or later, and music by DJ Rodney all evening. Feast on lobster and filet at Fleming’s Steakhouse with their special menu.
One of my favorite restaurants is JCT Kitchen, and they are offering a four-course meal for $55, followed by libations, live music and a midnight toast upstairs. Belly up to Imperial Fez, which is offering a five-course dinner with champagne,
Need a last-minute gift? Get a gift card for Concentrics Restaurants until January 31 for $100 and they will add $20. Throw on that cumberbund for the bash at 103 West where you can enjoy dinner, dancing, cocktails and champagne for $175. A five-course fixed menu is $75 at Aquaknox; Bluepointe has a four-course menu for $79; add $24 for wine pairings.
In Midtown, Eno has a four-course dinner for $65 with a champagne toast and party favors at midnight. Oceanaire Seafood Room, home of the world’s most awesome crabcakes, has a four-course menu and Rosa Mexicano in Atlantic Station has a four-course menu for $45, a DJ and party favors. Shaun’s in Inman Park has menus available for $45 and $65 a person. If stir-fry is your thing, check out The Real Chow Baby where you can get unlimited stir fry, chocolate midnight torte and a bottle of sparkling wine for $25.
To celebrate my recent completion of a year-long book project, my husband and I chose to dine at Rathbun’s last weekend, where I’m never had a dish that wasn’t outstanding. We had a chat with General Manager and Partner Cliff Bramble, who reported that so far, business remains strong for the three-restaurant Rathbun’s empire. Head there New Year’s Eve and you’ll dine on a five-course meal for $85.
Whatever you do, enjoy a safe and happy New Year’s. And let’s face it, who doesn’t want to toast to the end of 2008. Here’s to better days ahead.
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